Hornbeam Hedge

It's ideal for heights up to 5m and therefore makes the perfect privacy screen which reduces noise and wind from entering your garden. It makes a wonderful single species hedge but it is frequently combined with other species as a member of a mixed native feature.

Does hornbeam grow fast?

Hornbeam wood is the hardest of any European trees. This deciduous, medium-sized tree matures to 40-60' tall and 30-40' wide at a growth rate of about 12-24” per year.

Do hornbeam trees lose their leaves?

Like beech, a hornbeam hedge will keep its leaves all year round, providing shelter, roosting, nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and small mammals. Hornbeam is the food plant for caterpillars of a number of moth species, including the nut tree tussock.

What is the difference between beech and hornbeam?

Differences: Beech leaves are glossier and thinner – Hornbeam are a more matt green, with deep veins and a slightly serrated edge. Beech winter leaves are a bright copper colour – Hornbeam are a darker, grey-brown. Beech doesn't like to be in damp soil – Hornbeam is happy in a moist but not waterlogged site.

Do hornbeams have invasive roots?

They are slow growing in the nursery, but relatively easy to transplant if proper transplanting techniques are followed. Root flare is modest, and root growth does not appear to be aggressive, so potential infrastructure damage is probably low to non-existent.

How far apart should hornbeam be planted for a hedge?

What Spacing Should a Hornbeam Hedge be planted at? 3 plants per metre, 33cms apart, in a single row is fine for most hedges. You can plant a staggered double row at 20-25 cms apart if you want it to be stockproof.

Is a hornbeam tree messy?

Hornbeams are hardy and require virtually no clean up, but do keep in mind the leaves fall off in early spring so you'll lose your privacy hedge.

Is hornbeam poisonous to dogs?

Hornbeam is the strongest and healthiest wood that can be given to dogs.

When should you plant hornbeam?

If you want your hornbeam hedge to be able to act as a sight screen during the winter but particularly in summer, you should bed the plants in between mid-October and mid-November. This means the young shrubs can put out fine hair roots before winter sets in.

How long does it take to grow a hornbeam hedge?

Hornbeams have a moderately slow growth rate reaching 6m high and 4m across in 10 years, 11m x 6m in 20 years and 25m x 20m when fully grown. Young trees are pyramidal in shape, becoming rounded as they mature. They grow in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate any aspect or soil.

Do hornbeam trees have deep roots?

The plant grows slowly, is shallow rooted, and it can branch low to the ground. The crown is finely branched, densely foliated and forms a beautiful oval or vase in the landscape. European hornbeam has yellow fall color and enough pruning tolerance to be a hedge, tall screen or topiary.

Is hornbeam a good tree?

The hornbeam is a great tree to add to any landscape, as it's a medium size and resistant to most pests and diseases.

What time of year is best to plant a hedge?

Bare root hedging should be planted between mid-October and the end of March. Rootballed evergreens are best planted from the start of September to mid-October or from the beginning of April to mid-May. Good soil preparation before planting will go a long way to getting your new hedging off on the right track.

How do you look after a hornbeam hedge?

Hornbeam hedges can be easily maintained from under 1 metre to over 5 metres, with single trim during the year for shaping the growth. This process can begin during late summer, just after the plant has a growth spurt but before it leaves change colour and fall during the autumn months.

Can hornbeam grow in full sun?

Culture: American hornbeam tolerates wet sites. It does well in shade, and will perform admirably in full sun, where it becomes more dense and uniform with the proper amount of moisture. It will withstand flooding, and is more tolerant of heat than other members of this genus.

Is hornbeam poisonous to animals?

Is Carpinus betulus poisonous? Carpinus betulus has no toxic effects reported.

Can hornbeam be cut back hard?

The European Hornbeam can be subjected to rejuvenation pruning between October and March. Rejuvenation pruning should be done in stages, in principle over a period of three years. Cut one third of the branches down to about 40 cm from the ground each year.

Can hornbeam be kept small?

Hornbeams do not need pruning but they can be pollarded or coppiced to keep them compact.

What is the legal height of a hedge between Neighbours?

When a hedge grows over 2m (6½ft), the local authority does not automatically take action, unless a justifiable complaint is made. The law can not be used as a preventative measure – the hedge must already be above 2m (approx 6½ft) tall and impairing reasonable enjoyment.

Can I plant a hedge next to my Neighbours fence?

Your Rights. You do not usually need to obtain permission to plant a hedge in your garden if it is solely within your property's boundary. However, you do need to obtain permission from your next door neighbour if you're considering planting a hedge to separate the adjoining properties right on the boundary line.